While the takeoff from Rio offers dramatic coastal scenery, the landing approach into JFK provides more sustained visual interest over the final 30-45 minutes of flight. The approach over Jamaica Bay, Long Island Sound, and the Manhattan skyline is more visually rewarding than the transatlantic cruise segment.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 7-8 hours with minimal visible landmarks. Passengers may see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region (no visible surface features), and depending on routing, the southern tip of Greenland or the Canadian Maritime provinces may appear on the horizon during the final 2-3 hours of flight. The Azores islands (if the aircraft passes south of them) are occasionally visible but typically too far south for this routing. Most of the transatlantic segment offers only open ocean, cloud formations, and occasionally the curvature of the Earth at cruise altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SDU
RIGHTRight side offers immediate views of Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs out from Santos Dumont. The bay's distinctive shape and surrounding mountains create a striking visual within the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at JFK
LEFTLeft side provides the best views during the final approach into JFK. The aircraft descends over Long Island Sound and Jamaica Bay, with Manhattan's skyline visible across the water to the left, and the Atlantic barrier islands (Rockaway Peninsula, Jamaica Bay wetlands) clearly visible below.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Santos Dumont (SDU) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio De Janeiro to New York. While the takeoff from Rio offers dramatic coastal scenery, the landing approach into JFK provides more sustained visual interest over the final 30-45 minutes of flight. The approach over Jamaica Bay, Long Island Sound, and the Manhattan skyline is more visually rewarding than the transatlantic cruise segment.
What can I see during takeoff from Santos Dumont in Rio De Janeiro?
During takeoff from Santos Dumont (SDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers immediate views of Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs out from Santos Dumont. The bay's distinctive shape and surrounding mountains create a striking visual within the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Corcovado peak, Atlantic coastline.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides the best views during the final approach into JFK. The aircraft descends over Long Island Sound and Jamaica Bay, with Manhattan's skyline visible across the water to the left, and the Atlantic barrier islands (Rockaway Peninsula, Jamaica Bay wetlands) clearly visible below. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Long Island Sound, Rockaway Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Rio De Janeiro to New York?
The flight from Santos Dumont (SDU) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 9.5 to 10.5 hours.
What does the Rio De Janeiro to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 7-8 hours with minimal visible landmarks. Passengers may see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region (no visible surface features), and depending on routing, the southern tip of Greenland or the Canadian Maritime provinces may appear on the horizon during the final 2-3 hours of flight. The Azores islands (if the aircraft passes south of them) are occasionally visible but typically too far south for this routing. Most of the transatlantic segment offers only open ocean, cloud formations, and occasionally the curvature of the Earth at cruise altitude.